2012 Chevrolet Malibu Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 191about this part
- Share
- 21%of 907 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 103,794miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 191 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 21% of the 907 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 103,794 miles. 9 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The steering wheel is hard to turn and it's getting worse and worse when it is unlocked the wheel shakes like crazy and it has no grip when u turn in the car it is unlocked but as u driving it it locks it's selfnl. At a intersection as I was at a a complete stop once I took my foot off the breaker the steering wheel almost hit the the car in the next lane”
NHTSA complaint #11394764, filed 2021-02, 20,000 miles“I have an ongoing issue in which the power steering on my 2012 Malibu locks up and it's extremely hard to rotate the steering wheel to make turns....it has happened on numerous occasions from being parked from a cold start to recently actively happening while driving on the road/highway. The computer dash display pops up saying power steering then says service ESC”
NHTSA complaint #11415718, filed 2021-05, 183,000 miles“My 2012 Malibu 1lt has some of the same issues the recalls are for but my specific VIN number isn't included in the recalls. My driver seat moves when sitting in it and I need a rack-and-pinion. I'm also having issues with a 'rough' idle and when I put it in park the RPM's die down between 1&0 and the car acts like it's trying to cut off.”
NHTSA complaint #11231798, filed 2019-07, 143,600 miles“Driving my vehicle with my 3 month old daughter in the car. Turned the wheel as I was taking a turn and the power steering completely stopped. This forced me to apply the brake because I almost wemt off the road!! I see this isn't the only incident involving the ESC and power steering!! Vehicle currently has service ESC and power steering messages displayed in the info messages.”
NHTSA complaint #11298170, filed 2020-01, 144,000 miles“I have been having problems with my steering nearly everytime I would start my car. After starting it repeatedly it usual would steer but today as I was driving the steering froze! It was very scary and could have turned out dangerously. I am not sure what the problem is but I see that many others are having the same problem with the steering of this year and model/.”
NHTSA complaint #11182677, filed 2019-02, 149,850 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 10245395Nov 6, 2023This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing…
- 10242061Aug 7, 2023This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
- 10235561Apr 4, 2023This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 10222777Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 8% |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 5 | 7% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 2 | 2% |
| 2020 | 16 | 8% |
| 2019 | 2 | 1% |
| 2018 | 42 | 6% |
| 2017 | 47 | 7% |
| 2016 | 42 | 5% |
| 2015 | 9 | 3% |
| 2014 | 26 | 7% |
| 2013 | 181 | 22% |
| 2012 | 191 | 21% |
| 2011 | 214 | 22% |
| 2010 | 454 | 33% |
| 2009 | 769 | 51% |
| 2008 | 460 | 47% |
| 2007 | 667 | 68% |
| 2006 | 812 | 73% |
| 2005 | 506 | 52% |
| 2004 | 798 | 70% |
| 2003 | 21 | 4% |
| 2002 | 13 | 2% |
| 2001 | 41 | 6% |
| 2000 | 45 | 5% |
| 1999 | 37 | 5% |
| 1998 | 74 | 8% |
| 1997 | 80 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
291 complaintsExterior lighting
202 complaintsElectronic stability control
129 complaintsAir bags
101 complaintsEngine
99 complaintsBrakes
74 complaintsOther or unknown
62 complaintsFuel system
56 complaintsVehicle speed control
52 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
49 complaintsSeat belts
47 complaintsSeats
36 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Chevrolet Malibu
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology